Website:http://www.30asongwritersfestival.comThe 30A Songwriters Festival will heat up Florida's Scenic Highway 30A, January 18-20, 2013. Writers who perform their own music and performers who write their own songs meet for a weekend of soulful melodies, powerful vocals and compelling lyrics. The fourth annual event celebrates the art of songwriting amidst the beauty of the beach neighborhoods of South Walton along Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast.

Venues range from unique listening rooms to spacious outdoor amphitheaters. Each location is distinguished by its own individual vibe, ambiance, and musically-inspired stage artwork, and is situated amid the brilliant white sand beaches, turquoise waters and stunning architecture of Highway 30A. The Festival is produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and is presented by Visit South Walton.

"The 30A Songwriters Festival has quickly gained a reputation among musicians as a forum for true songwriters to perform their self-penned songs as well as established performers to showcase their original compositions," said Russell Carter, 30A Songwriters Festival chair and producer and owner of Russell Carter Artist Management. "We book artists with diverse musical styles. Our emphasis is the art of the song.”

As in years past, venues for performances are being built along Highway 30A from Vue, Gulf Place Amphitheater and Fire on the western end to Amavida, Town Hall and Summer Kitchen in Rosemary on the eastern end. WaterColor Inn & Resort will serve once again as the Festival headquarters.

Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls and Mary Chapin Carpenter will perform in the round on Wednesday, January 16th, for a special pre-Festival membership drive for the Cultural Arts Alliance. Lucinda Williams and Nanci Griffith are confirmed for a Sunday afternoon concert at the Seaside Amphitheatre.

"We are honored to feature talented artists from around the country who are generously supporting the CAA and our mission to grow the arts in Walton County and make it a destination for cultural and artistic excellence," said Jennifer Steele, Festival producer and executive director of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. "South Walton celebrates a thriving arts community, and we are proud to showcase our local talent alongside nationally-acclaimed songwriters and up-and-coming artists to raise funds and awareness for arts education initiatives that benefit the children of Walton County."

Festival weekend passes are now available for $165 and can be purchased at www.30asongwritersfestival.com. Net proceeds from the 30A Songwriters Festival benefit the CAA and members of the CAA will receive an additional 10% off weekend passes. Call (850) 622-5970 to become a member and take advantage of the discount.

For more information on the 2013 30A Songwriters Festival, including a full list of artists, venues, accommodations packages and to purchase tickets, visit www.30asongwritersfestival.com
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